First, full discloser. I don't own a kayak and I am not using the SideWinder as an anchor line reel. But I like to fish and I use the SideWinder manage line used for lure retrieval. I have tried may different rigs in the past and have never found anything as well built and to the purpose as the SideWinder. The reel is well made: durable, light and compact. I have tried many different solutions over the years but for the marine environment, the SideWinder is the perfect device to serve as a "lure knocker/retriever". I just added a heavyweight carabiner to the end of the line. When my lure get hung, I latch the carabiner around my fishing line, drop it overboard, let line from the SideWinder and the carabiner snake down toward the hung lure guided by the fishing line. In many cases the weight of the carabiner knocks the hooks free and up comes the lure and sometimes the carabiner grabs a hook and up comes lure and hang altogether (great way to clear bottom of trash!). Would I recommend the SideWinder as anchor reel aboard a kayak? Absolutely! This product is perfect for that as well as, I am sure, many other uses. Thanks to YakAttack for making this product available!